fluoròfor

A fluorophore is a molecule that can absorb light energy at a specific wavelength and then re-emit light energy at a longer wavelength. This process is known as fluorescence. Fluorophores are essential components in many scientific and technological applications, particularly in biological imaging, diagnostics, and analytical chemistry.

When a fluorophore absorbs photons, its electrons are excited to a higher energy state. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release the excess energy as photons of light. The difference in energy between the absorbed and emitted light is often referred to as the Stokes shift. The specific wavelengths of excitation and emission are characteristic of each fluorophore and depend on its chemical structure.

Common examples of fluorophores include organic dyes like fluorescein and rhodamine, as well as fluorescent proteins such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants. These molecules are often incorporated into biological samples or reagents to visualize structures, track molecular processes, or detect the presence of specific substances. In diagnostics, fluorophores are used in various assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Their ability to emit light upon excitation makes them valuable tools for non-destructive detection and quantification.